# Cold-Pressed Grapeseed Oil (Vitis vinifera) **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/cold-pressed-grapeseed-oil **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-25 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Seed Oils **Also Known As:** Vitis vinifera seed oil, Grape seed oil, GSO, Vinifera oil, Wine grape seed oil, Pressed grape seed oil ## Overview Cold-pressed grapeseed oil (Vitis vinifera) is derived from grape seeds and is exceptionally rich in linoleic acid (65–85%), an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid, along with γ-tocotrienol and phytosterols that may exert antioxidant activity via [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing. Despite its favorable fatty acid profile, no human clinical trials have established confirmed health benefits for dietary or supplemental use. ## Health Benefits • No clinical health benefits documented - no human trials available in the research • Contains high levels of linoleic acid (65-85%) - potential [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) support (no clinical evidence) • Rich in γ-tocotrienol and phytosterols - potential antioxidant properties (no clinical evidence) • Contains tocopherols (α, β, γ, δ forms) - potential vitamin E activity (no clinical evidence) • Cold-pressing preserves lipophilic antioxidants - potential [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) support (no clinical evidence) ## Mechanism of Action Linoleic acid, the dominant fatty acid in grapeseed oil, serves as a precursor to arachidonic acid and influences eicosanoid synthesis, potentially modulating [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) signaling via cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) pathways. γ-Tocotrienol, a member of the vitamin E family, is thought to inhibit HMG-CoA reductase—the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis—and may suppress NF-κB-mediated inflammatory gene expression. Phytosterols present in grapeseed oil compete with dietary cholesterol for intestinal absorption via the Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1) transporter, theoretically reducing LDL-cholesterol uptake. ## Clinical Summary No published randomized controlled trials have specifically evaluated cold-pressed grapeseed oil supplementation in human subjects for cardiovascular, antioxidant, or metabolic endpoints. Some observational and in vitro data suggest that high linoleic acid intake may be associated with modest reductions in [LDL cholesterol](/ingredients/condition/heart-health), but these findings are not specific to grapeseed oil and carry significant methodological limitations. Animal and cell-culture studies demonstrate that γ-tocotrienol can suppress HMG-CoA reductase activity and reduce [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) markers, but these results have not been replicated in human trials. Overall, the evidence base for cold-pressed grapeseed oil as a health supplement remains preliminary and insufficient to support clinical recommendations. ## Nutritional Profile Pure fat source (100% lipid content, ~884 kcal/100ml). Fatty acid composition: linoleic acid (omega-6, LA) 65-85% of total fatty acids, oleic acid (omega-9) 12-28%, palmitic acid (saturated) 5-11%, stearic acid (saturated) 3-6%, alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3) <1%. Vitamin E complex: total tocopherols 0.8-1.2 mg/100g with γ-tocopherol dominant (0.6-0.9 mg/100g), α-tocopherol (0.1-0.2 mg/100g), β and δ-tocopherol (trace); tocotrienols present with γ-tocotrienol as primary form (exact concentration variable, typically 5-15 mg/kg). Phytosterols: β-sitosterol (dominant, ~50-60% of phytosterol fraction), campesterol, stigmasterol; total phytosterol content approximately 150-300 mg/100g. Polyphenols: low residual content in cold-pressed form including procyanidins and catechins (trace, <10 mg/kg). Zero protein, zero carbohydrates, zero fiber, zero cholesterol. Bioavailability notes: fat-soluble compounds (tocopherols, tocotrienols, phytosterols) require co-consumption with food for optimal absorption; high omega-6 PUFA content renders oil susceptible to oxidation, reducing bioavailable vitamin E under heat or light exposure; cold-pressing preserves phytosterol and tocopherol integrity compared to solvent-extracted variants. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges are available from the research, as no human trials have been documented. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Cold-pressed grapeseed oil is generally considered safe for most adults when used in culinary amounts, but high supplemental doses may contribute to an elevated omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, potentially promoting a pro-[inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) state over time. Individuals taking anticoagulant medications such as warfarin should exercise caution, as the vitamin E content (γ-tocotrienol) may have mild antiplatelet effects that could potentiate bleeding risk. Those with known grape or tree nut allergies should avoid use due to potential cross-reactivity. Safety data during pregnancy and lactation are insufficient, so supplemental use beyond normal dietary intake is not recommended for these populations. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses on cold-pressed grapeseed oil were found in the available research. No PubMed PMIDs or specific study designs documenting health outcomes are available. ## Historical & Cultural Context No historical or traditional medicinal uses are mentioned in the provided research. The oil appears to be primarily a modern byproduct of wine production. ## Synergistic Combinations Vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, astaxanthin, resveratrol, quercetin ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is cold-pressed grapeseed oil used for as a supplement? Cold-pressed grapeseed oil is primarily used for its high linoleic acid content (65–85%) and antioxidant compounds such as γ-tocotrienol and phytosterols. Proponents suggest it may support cardiovascular health and reduce oxidative stress, but no human clinical trials have confirmed these effects for the oil specifically. It is more commonly used as a culinary oil than as a standalone dietary supplement. ### Does grapeseed oil lower cholesterol? Grapeseed oil contains phytosterols that compete with cholesterol at the NPC1L1 intestinal transporter, and γ-tocotrienol may inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, both of which are plausible mechanisms for LDL reduction. However, these mechanisms have only been demonstrated in cell-culture and animal studies; no human trials have confirmed that consuming cold-pressed grapeseed oil significantly lowers LDL or total cholesterol. High linoleic acid diets have shown modest LDL-lowering effects in broader dietary research, but this is not specific to grapeseed oil. ### How much linoleic acid is in grapeseed oil? Cold-pressed grapeseed oil contains approximately 65–85% linoleic acid (an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid) by total fat content, making it one of the richest plant-based sources of this fatty acid. A single tablespoon (approximately 14 g) of grapeseed oil provides roughly 9–12 g of linoleic acid. This high concentration is notable, but excessive omega-6 intake without adequate omega-3 balance may promote pro-inflammatory eicosanoid production via the arachidonic acid pathway. ### Is grapeseed oil safe to take every day? Culinary use of cold-pressed grapeseed oil is generally recognized as safe for most healthy adults. However, daily supplemental use in high doses is not well-studied, and the elevated omega-6 content could shift the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio unfavorably if not balanced with adequate omega-3 intake. Individuals on anticoagulant therapy such as warfarin should consult a healthcare provider before regular use, as γ-tocotrienol may mildly inhibit platelet aggregation and enhance bleeding risk. ### What is γ-tocotrienol in grapeseed oil and what does it do? γ-Tocotrienol is a member of the vitamin E family found in grapeseed oil that differs structurally from the more common α-tocopherol by having an unsaturated isoprenoid side chain, which may allow greater membrane penetration and antioxidant potency. It has been shown in vitro and in animal models to inhibit HMG-CoA reductase (the same enzyme targeted by statin drugs) and suppress NF-κB-mediated inflammatory gene transcription. These effects have not yet been replicated in human clinical trials specific to grapeseed oil consumption. ### Can I take cold-pressed grapeseed oil with blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin? Cold-pressed grapeseed oil is high in linoleic acid and contains compounds with potential anticoagulant properties, which may interact with blood-thinning medications. You should consult your healthcare provider before combining grapeseed oil supplements with warfarin, aspirin, or other anticoagulants to avoid increased bleeding risk. Timing and dosage adjustments may be necessary depending on your current medication regimen. ### Is cold-pressed grapeseed oil safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding? There is insufficient clinical evidence on the safety of grapeseed oil supplementation during pregnancy and lactation. Due to the lack of human studies in these populations, most healthcare providers recommend avoiding supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding unless explicitly approved by an obstetrician. Dietary sources of grapeseed oil in food are generally considered safe in normal amounts. ### What is the difference between cold-pressed and refined grapeseed oil supplements? Cold-pressed grapeseed oil is extracted without heat, preserving heat-sensitive compounds like γ-tocotrienol, tocopherols, and phytosterols that may provide antioxidant activity. Refined grapeseed oil undergoes chemical extraction and processing, which typically removes or significantly reduces these bioactive compounds. For supplementation purposes, cold-pressed versions retain more of the original nutrient profile, though clinical evidence for the superiority of either form is lacking. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*